The mission of the Kennett Consolidated School District is to provide a quality education that increases the achievement of every student in order for all to become successful and thoughtful contributors to society.

"Bancroft Elementary School is dedicated to creating a safe and rewarding educational experience for all children. Our goal is to focus on student success by fostering a positive, accepting and supportive learning environment where students are proud of the work that they do each day."

"Greenwood is comprised of hardworking students and dedicated teachers who measure success, not only in high-test scores, but also in lessons learned, problems solved, performances presented and projects completed."

"Mary D Lang Kindergarten Center has a balanced educational program that is focused on the whole child with experiences designed to expand the mental, physical, emotional, and social development of every student."

"Here at New Garden Elementary School we are committed to providing a nurturing and supportive learning environment for students to grow and feel successful while providing an excellent instructional program to meet the individual needs of all students."

"The entire Kennett Middle School staff believes that it is an honor and privilege to educate and care for the most prized possessions of our community, your children. We are a school that creates a well-balanced learning environment with high academic and behavioral standards."

"At Kennett High School, we hold our students to the highest of expectations both in and outside of the classroom. Together, we collaborate and communicate to ensure a positive learning environment where all students feel safe, welcomed, and inspired to improve each and every day...."

"KHS is very proud of our teams, coaches, and especially our student-athletes. They all do an outstanding job of representing KHS with hard work, dedication and sportsmanship both on and off the field."

"At Kennett High School, we hold our students to the highest of expectations both in and outside of the classroom. Together, we collaborate and communicate to ensure a positive learning environment where all students feel safe, welcomed, and inspired to improve each and every day...."

News

Five Kennett Middle School students took on the challenge of discovering “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing” by creating a two-and-a-half-minute video of their visit to Schramm, a century-old manufacturer in West Chester and global supplier to the hydraulic drilling industry.

As a result of all schools being closed because of inclement weather on February 9 and March 14, 2017, the last student day for elementary and middle school students for the 2016-2017 school year will now be a half day on Monday, June 12, 2017.

Because of the emergency closing of the high school on Friday, April 7, 2017, the last student day for high school students for the 2016-2017 school year will be Tuesday, June 13, 2017.

Dr. Seuss writes, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Mrs. Kim Suydam, reading specialist at Bancroft Elementary School, makes this concept the focus of her work with students. She comments that reading opens up new possibilities of learning for students, allowing them to guide themselves through the world. She has made opening that gateway for students her primary responsibility.

“There is something so rewarding about teaching a child to read,” says Mrs. Suydam. “The spark of joy in their eyes when they’ve read their first sentence or paragraph or book—it’s an indescribable feeling. When I see pride on a student’s face, I know I’m in the right profession.”

Mrs. Suydam graduated from West Chester University with a Bachelor of Science in education and a minor in reading, and has worked in Kennett Consolidated School District since her student-teaching days. She taught 2nd grade and 3rd grade before earning a master’s degree from West Chester University and receiving her certification as a reading specialist. She now works with young readers at Bancroft Elementary School, but has also worked at New Garden Elementary School and the Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center.

The majority of Mrs Suydam’s day is spent teaching targeted reading groups, but she has served in many capacities beyond her specialty at Bancroft Elementary. As a Title I Interventionist, she presents Title I information to Bancroft staff and families. She also plans and hosts the school’s Family Night, sets up its after-school tutoring program, organizes its summer reading program, helps set up a summer school program for students, and is part of the school assessment team.

“As I’m sure most teachers would agree, my toughest challenge is time,” says Mrs. Suydam. “We all play many roles in our jobs. Teachers are creative individuals who can really maximize a 30-minute block of time to provide motivational and interactive lessons.”

Indeed, Mrs. Suydam takes on an impressive number of duties that support the students attending Bancroft Elementary School. She has participated in Responsive Classroom training, an approach to teaching that focuses on the connection between academic success and social-emotional learning; she serves on the Building Leadership Team and the Word Study Committee; and in years past, she was herself an after-school tutor. In addition, Mrs. Suydam has been a summer school teacher, hosted book clubs, and organized Reading Olympics. She even traveled to China one summer with her colleagues and spent three weeks teaching English at a summer camp there.

At home, Mrs. Suydam is an avid reader. She enjoys spending her summers at the beach and enjoying as much time as she can with her husband and 1-year-old daughter.

This is an important update from the Kennett Consolidated School District concerning the legionella bacteria found at the high school last week. Under the guidance of the Chester County Health Department and the recommendation of our environment consultants, 1Source Safety and Health Inc., we developed a comprehensive plan to remediate the bacteria. In order to start the sterilization process as soon as possible, we elected to close the high school last Friday. We also wanted to ensure the safety of our staff and students and eliminate the possibility of scalding because the domestic hot water system had to be raised to a minimum temperature of 160 degrees. We successfully completed the heat sterilization process on this past Saturday, and, after consulting with the Chester County Health Department, will re-open the high school on Monday April 17th as indicated on the school calendar. Thank you.

We are notifying you that during routine testing of the hot water systems at Kennett High School, a positive test result for legionella bacteria was confirmed.

in response to this test result, we have consulted with the Chester County Health Department and contracted with an environmental remediation firm to eliminate the bacteria. As a proactive measure, we have discontinued use of the boiler room spigot where the positive sample was taken and as an additional precaution shut down all showersa

According to the Health Department, the presence of the bacteria, which are commonly found in water, is no concern for alarm at this time. The Health Department officials stated that there are no confirmed reports of Legionnaires’ disease and the Health Department would not be issuing a public advisory at this time.

The presence of legionella bacteria does not mean that a person will contract Legionnaires’ disease. The bacteria are not passed from person to person. People often receive low-level exposure as it exists naturally in the environment.

Questions & Answers (Q&A)

What is Legionnaires’ disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia-lung inflammation usually caused ,by infection. Legionnaires’ disease is caused by the bacteria legionella, which is common in the environment.

If there are no confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease, why is the school district alerting the school community?

We believe that it is better to be cautious in situations Involving personal health.

How does a person contract Legionnaires’ disease?

Infection occurs by inhaling microscopic water droplets containing the bacteria.

What are the signs and symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease?

Signs of Legionnaires’ disease can include:

Cough

Shortness of breath

High fever

Muscle aches

Headaches

These symptoms usually begin 2 to 14 days after being exposed to the bacteria and develop into pneumonia.

What should I do now?

If you are not sick, there is no need for you to see a doctor.

If you believe that you might have Legionnaires’ disease, you should Immediately contact your doctor.

What Is the School District doing?

The School District will engage a remediation firm to treat the water systems. Samples of the water will be taken to confirm that the bacteria have been killed. Test results will be made known to the school community. Testing typically takes 2 weeks.

The School District will continue to work closely with the Chester County Health Department and other appropriate government agencies. Any relevant Information will be communicated to the school community.

We would like to invite you to join us at the Phillies vs. Giants Baseball Game on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 4:05pm at Citizen’s Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Last year’s event was very fun and successful and we look forward to another great year. As is tradition, the Kennett Middle School Eighth Grade Chorus will sing the National Anthem before the game.

All members of the KCSD family are invited to join in on the fun. All KCSD employees and students received a green flyer and order form with the details of the game and how to order tickets. Tickets are only $23 each! Orders are due by May 5, 2017! Proceeds from each ticket sold at this event will benefit the students at Kennett Middle School.

To purchase tickets, please fill out the order form and send payment in the form of cash, check, or credit card. Online tickets can be purchased by visiting https://www.paypal.me/kmsphillies and sending the order form to KMS. For more information, please contact Kennett Middle School at 610-268-5800. Reserve your tickets and meet us at the ballpark! Go Phillies and Go Kennett!

Following the induction ceremony and roll call, Assistant Principal Raymond Fernandez administered the pledge of honor, and Dr. Tamargo announced the newly elected officers for 2017-18: President James Tuley, Vice President Madison Thureen, Secretary Kaitlyn Willey, Treasurer Claire Dawyot, and Historian Jillian Curran. Dr. Hritz then closed the ceremony and invited all to a reception in the cafeteria.

Members of the Blue and White Chapter must demonstrate and maintain high standards of the four hallmarks of the National Honor Society: scholarship, leadership, character, and service. Throughout the year, members of the National Honor Society members participate in service activities, including tutoring and fundraising. This year they have organized two blood drives for the American Red Cross, worked on volunteer crews for the Mushroom Festival, and ushered patrons at this year’s musical The Drowsy Chaperone. The group is also looking forward to sponsoring social activities at the high school, including May’s very popular Glow Dance, as well as volunteering this spring at the Kennett Run.

Members of the Blue and White Chapter became eligible by posting a 3.75 grade point average (GPA) by the second semester of their junior year. Additional qualities of character, leadership, and service were assessed by the faculty of Kennett High School and reviewed by members of the National Honor Society Faculty Council, chosen by the principal from among the faculty and serving for a period of two years. This year’s Faculty Council included Mr. Robert Anthony, Mr. Vincent Civiletti, Mrs. Sara Donovan, Mrs. Kimberly Guarneri, Mr. Joseph Hutcheson, Mrs. Lisa Kochmansky, Dr. Erin McDonnell-Jones, Ms. Heather Morihara, Ms. Amanda O’Connor, Mr. Michael Replogle, Mr. Robert Socash, Mrs. Hannah Taylor, Mr. Francis Vanderslice, and Mr. Robert Wagner.

When a die hard theatre fan plays his favorite cast album, the characters come to life in this hilarious musical farce. Winner of five Tony Awards 2006, The Drowsy Chaperone is a loving send-up of the Jazz Age musical, featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another. (mtishows.com)

Join us:

Thursday, March 16 at 7:30 pm

Friday, March 17 at 7:30 pm

Saturday, March 18 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm

Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here or at the door to the show.